Do I need to change my timing belt? 1997 Honda Prelude 85k miles.?

Question

Car works great (except new leak in windshield resevoir I haven't bothered to fix). Manual says replace at 105k miles which I'm 2 years away from at this point BUT also says replace at 7 years too. It has been 10 years. Should I replace now? Cost is 650-800 where I live. Should I go to dealership over local mechanics? Thanks.

Answer 1

if the car runs great, I'll just have to wait until 105k miles. the manual says 105k miles or 7 years whichever comes first. when it's time to replace timing belt don't forget to change water pump at the same time to avoid being doulble charged for the labor cuz these two things are located in the same area of the engine(save on water pump's labor). take it to any honda dealer to have it replaced with the genuine parts and you'd probably get aftermarket parts from local mechanics.

Answer 2

Honda Prelude Timing Belt

Answer 3

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RE:
Do I need to change my timing belt? 1997 Honda Prelude 85k miles.?
Car works great (except new leak in windshield resevoir I haven't bothered to fix). Manual says replace at 105k miles which I'm 2 years away from at this point BUT also says replace at 7 years too. It has been 10 years. Should I replace now? Cost is 650-800 where I live. Should I go to...

Answer 4

I would probably wait a while longer to try to find a small shop that specializes in this kinda stuff and doesn't charge you BS fees on everything. These shops are generally found in smaller, more rural towns where the cost of living is low. I got my Civic's belt changed last week for $470 (new water pump and all new belts included) by doing my research and calling around. Where do you live? Because if you could save $200-300 just by driving to the nearest small town, I think it would be worth it. Try to find a place that is small and locally owned (but has been around a while and has a good reputation with the local hicks). Make sure you know EVERYTHING there is to know about the TB job for your Prelude (i.e. water pump, coolant flush, cost of belts) so that you come off as someone who is knowledgable and and won't be easy to BS or rip-off. Also, when you call up one of the "little guys", tell them that you have already purchased all the necessary belts and the water pump because you were planning on doing it yourself (just lie). If they still agree to do the job at original labor cost (should be around $70-80 per hour X ~4 hrs), just go ahead and order everything online for WAY CHEAPER than they would charge you (I didn't do this because I only thought of it later). Good luck!
Additionally, when Nikki M. said to get you "timing belt" replaced at the same time, she obviously meant your water pump.

Answer 5

85 Honda Prelude

Answer 6

Yes, you should definitely have your timing belt replaced. Even though your Prelude's engine is a non-interference design (which means it will not be destroyed if the timing belt snaps), your day would definitely be ruined if this were to happen. Your car would stall and refuse to start. Go ahead and get your belt replaced because the material does tend to deteriorate over time. You might as well have your timing belt replaced at this time too while they're in there. <-- I meant to say "water pump" not timing belt...thank you wizeguy :)

Answer 7

Both wear and age affect a timing belt. They don't hold up like a roller chain because the rubber breaks down over time and a chain only wears from use. I know this may seem like a lot to pay to have a belt changed but a lot of the smaller engines are negative clearance motors and if the belt should break or slip it may damage the valves and pistons. Changing the belt now will prevent this. I would talk to a few people in your area that you trust and find a halfway decent, honest mech. You'll get a better price that way. I worked for a dealer years ago and that's why I will never have service work done at one.

Answer 8

i'd say anytime between now and 100k should be fine. you don't need to go by the years, because the mileage is the true age of your car; if you've had it for awhile but not driven it as much as usual, i would wait for the mileage indicated in your manual. of course, go by how your car acts and if you've been keeping it regularly maintained all this time.

Answer 9

it would probably we ok if you waited for the mileage interval to hit before doing it. but if you have the money, do it now.
the h22 is an interferance engine while in VTEC, so bent valves are a possibility.

Answer 10

Go to the dealer and see what they have to say about the condition of the belt. If that belt snaps you can literally say "Good Bye" engine. It would go that quick.